Pork
Manitoba is the largest pig producing and exporting province in Canada comprising approximately 30% of all pig production nationally. Hogs are the second largest source of farm cash receipts in Manitoba.
The swine industry in Manitoba exports approximately 35% of all the pigs born on farm, leaving the remainder to be primarily processed in one of three federally inspected abattoirs or in one of the many provincial abattoirs. Meat processing employs approximately 4000 and makes up almost 50% (in 2020 approximately $6 billion) of the total food and beverage processing that occurs in Manitoba, the majority of this is attributed to pork.
The following links are a helpful start to exploring pork production in Manitoba Codes of Practice, Farm Practices Guidelines for Pig Producers in Manitoba, Pork in Manitoba, and Canadian Hog Statistics.
Breeding and Reproduction
Successful hog production begins with excellent breeding. It is of the utmost importance that producers get their sows and gilts bred in a timely and efficient manner and that they support the health and welfare of their pregnant animals, and their offspring.
Feeds and Nutrition
Nutrition is one of the three key areas of importance in rearing pigs. Ensuring that pigs have access to proper nutrition and clean, fresh water is the foundation of having a successful swine operation.
- Checklist to Determine Causes of Shortfalls in Feed Intake
- Evaluating Water Quality for Livestock
- Livestock Water Quality Guide
Management
Management is more than just feeding pigs and knowing when to breed and ship. Today's pig farmers are savvy business people who keep abreast of the cost of corn, who keep track of the health of their pigs and the safety of their workers. Management is where experience, daily learning and keeping an eye on the future all meet to ensure that each pig is healthy and well cared for, and that each pork chop is as delicious as the next.
Economics
Manure and Mortality Management
Pork and the Public
Production
Facilities
Efficient production relies on providing pigs with the most suitable rearing conditions. Different stages of hog production can have different requirements.
Animal Health and Biosecurity
Disease control is not only important for ensuring healthy stock, but also for the bottom line. Healthy animals grow better than sick ones so the time and energy and dollars spent on keeping animals healthy are well spent for the gains in efficiency.
Biosecurity
On-farm Food Safety
Research
Pig producers rely on a wide variety of research to help them produce pigs more efficienctly, more welfare friendly and more profitably. Universities, research facilities and private industry all help to widen the knowledge base upon which pork producers can draw.
